Biblical Theology – THEO 360

Course Description

This course is a survey of biblical theology with specific attention given to the primary theological themes of the Old and New Testament. It explores how each testament informs the redemptive storyline of the Bible. Various soteriological themes and theological systems such as dispensationalism and covenant theology are addressed. This is to lay a foundation for understanding the relationship between biblical theology and current theological issues.

Rationale

In the preparation to serve the mission of the local church, an absence of biblical knowledge is completely negligent. Even more, the need for accurate and timely theological understanding that finds its roots in the biblical texts stands as a stalwart essential for any leader in the local church. Christian leaders in all contexts must develop the ability to identify, explain, and apply biblical-theological principles to current cultural trends both in the church as well as in the local community.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be a minimum of 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words. The thread must include at least 2 references from the course textbook or outside scholarly resources. All replies must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation in Turabian format . (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Case Study Assignments (3)

The student will download and complete the appropriate Case Study Template for the Module:Week. In each Case Study, the student will inductively study a passage or correlated group of passages from the Bible and develop answers to the questions provided in the template. Each Case Study Assignment relates to a principle of biblical theology.

Research Paper: Bibliography & Topic Selection Assignment

In preparation for the Research Paper: Final Paper Assignment, the student will select a topic from the list provided in the Research Paper: Topic Selection & Bibliography Assignment Instructions and write a bibliography in current Turabian format to include at least 5 academic sources. Each student is not permitted to use the course textbooks or websites on this assignment. The student is not required to provide a rationale or reason for choosing each source. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Research Paper: Planning Assignment

This assignment is represented in three parts. Each student will (1) develop a thesis statement, (2) demonstrate the flow and support of their argument by writing a detailed outline of their paper, and (3) include an updated and expanded Bibliography page that includes a minimum of 10 academic sources. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Research Paper: Final Paper Assignment

The student will take what they have prepared in the Research Paper: Planning Assignment and write a 2,400-2,700 word research paper in current Turabian format. The paper will focus on the development of their thesis related to the research topic chosen in the Research Paper: Topic Selection & Bibliography Assignment. Each student will provide an application section where they will discuss the purpose and practice of biblical theology in the modern church and to the individual believer. In this application section, the student should aim to cover the benefits and results of the practice of biblical theology as well as a basic methodology to guide the church and individual believers to practice biblical theology on a communal and individual level. The paper must include interaction with at least 10 academic sources including the course textbooks. The paper must rely on biblical texts, but the Bible does not count as one of the 10 references and must not be listed in the bibliography. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Biblical Theology Action Plan Assignment

Each student will develop an action plan to apply the principles of THEO 360 in their present and future ministry. The student's action plan will be designed to be effective in their demographic of ministry (church ministry, Christian nonprofit, chaplain, Christian high education, etc.). Each student will assess how the content in each module: week can be practiced and communicated in an individual context and a corporate context. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Quizzes (2)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned modules: weeks. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a 30-minute time limit. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)